North Myrtle Beach Family Secures $750,000 Settlement in Landmark Legal Battle Over Football Injury

North Myrtle Beach Family Wins Major Legal Battle Over Football Injury

In a landmark decision that is sure to turn heads and raise eyebrows, a North Myrtle Beach family has secured a hefty $750,000 settlement after enduring a lengthy legal battle with Horry County Schools. This bittersweet victory comes in the wake of their son Logan Wood’s tragic injury during a middle school football game back in 2016. For the Woods, this isn’t just about the money; it’s about shining a light on the crucial need for proper safety measures in sports.

The Incident That Changed Everything

To understand the Woods’ journey, let’s rewind to October 2016. Logan, then a talented player for North Myrtle Beach Middle School, was having what should have been another exciting game. But just as the first half came to an end, tragedy struck. Logan was hit by several players as the buzzer sounded, and signs of distress followed swiftly. He reported feeling dizzy and having trouble maintaining his balance—a classic symptom of concussion.

But instead of sidelining him, his coaches made a controversial decision: they sent him back onto the field for the second half. And what happened next? Logan was hit repeatedly, compounding his injury and exacerbating what later became a serious brain condition. He was eventually diagnosed with a “serious brain injury,” preventing him from attending school and putting a significant strain on his family.

The Legal Tug-of-War

Fast forward to 2021, after a grueling jury trial, the Woods were awarded a substantial $850,000 in damages. However, Horry County Schools appealed the decision, and the original amount was subsequently reduced to $625,000 by a judge. This back-and-forth in the legal arena made it clear that the fight for justice was far from over.

Finally, earlier this month, the settlement was confirmed. James B. Moore III, the attorney representing the Woods at Evans Moore Law Firm, expressed relief and satisfaction at the outcome. “We have finally secured justice for Logan after an extended legal battle with the school district,” he said, emphasizing the unnecessary delays caused by the district’s insurance company. The final settlement included the reduced judgment plus post-trial interest from unsuccessful appeals, bringing the total to over $750,000.

A Hope for Change

While Logan and his family are glad to close this chapter, their hopes extend far beyond the financial compensation. “Logan’s primary hope is that this case highlights the critical importance of implementing and enforcing proper safety protocols in middle and high school sports,” said Moore. It’s a powerful reminder that youth sports should prioritize player safety above all else.

The incident has sparked discussions around concussion protocols and safety measures across schools. According to the Woods’ legal complaint, the school’s failure to follow basic concussion guidelines reflects a troubling trend that needs to be addressed. The complaint explicitly cited gross negligence in handling head injuries, a serious oversight that strikes fear into the heart of many parents of young athletes.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles, the Woods hope this case serves as a wake-up call for both schools and parents alike. Logan’s story is a poignant reminder of the real risks associated with sports and how crucial it is to adhere to established safety measures. It’s not just about winning games; it’s about protecting our children.

When reached for comment, Horry County Schools did not provide any details or statements regarding the settlement, sticking to their usual policy of not discussing legal matters. However, the conversation surrounding player safety continues to gain momentum.

In the wake of this settlement, one thing is crystal clear: incidents like Logan’s must never happen again. It’s time for schools to stand up and take player safety seriously. The future of young athletes may very well depend on it.